# Folding Kitchen Step Stool for Kids **URL:** \ **Category:** Projects\ **Created:** [September 21, 2024, 6:56pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/folding-kitchen-step-stool-for-kids/22359 "2024-09-21T18:56:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![smarcus3](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/smarcus3/32/26517_2.png) [@smarcus3](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/smarcus3)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2024, 6:56pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/folding-kitchen-step-stool-for-kids/22359/1 "2024-09-21T18:56:23Z")
So this project has been half designed for over 6 months but pesky work got in the way. Finally had some time this weekend to finish up the design and start cutting on the Maslow. As the design matures I will be more than happy to share the design with everyone. The wife wanted a design which could fold up to save a bit of space so I came up with this design. Here’s it Unfolded: ![Screenshot_6](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/8/2/82260fb9d7b29060985df2e307de08a083c5527e.jpeg) The operations to fold: ![Screenshot_6-EDIT](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/3/8/3889d166a15b1469c450bdd154d11fa8107fe5ae.jpeg) Here’s it Folded ![Screenshot_5](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/1/7/17cc701e2c2b233ec98c23a469361ef7da8ec2ce.jpeg) Here’s several images of how it is turning out so far. ![20240920_210912](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/4/d/4de0756b57f1243ab95bd9cc72229efda02d2b48.jpeg) ![20240920_223114](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/7/c/7ce6e76500c370433aaeb6867aa8dd76c6bca526.jpeg) ![20240920_181023](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/0/8/087e3ce9427f694377bfd708591576e1fc3d0ef2.jpeg) Test fit of dowel and hole. Really impressed with the overall accuracy ![20240920_181039](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/7/6/76549d9e133aa8622e3205e2da1e588fac6be54c.jpeg) Leg Cut ![20240921_110952](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/3/b/3b0b9975725b17fa978f27c6f5930ebdb4b68eab.jpeg) ![20240921_121644](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/b/7/b777d55ca3335e40b4f041bd653ef48efa8fbb93.jpeg) ![20240921_114920](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/5/4/54e44369a76fdaa7a05def9af8958cf2dac21fc7.jpeg) Sawdust removed from the cuts ![20240921_121940](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/a/7/a71d5dd90e052ccc359a6f11fce818f81db79fe4.jpeg) Legs removed from the sheet. ![20240921_122136](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/5/3/533cd2733700042c6e9584047eac0c3089417657.jpeg) Unfolded in real life test. Obviously the dowels need to be cut to the right length 🙂 ![20240921_143818](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/f/5/f5a1da1110b90543045f91d07b16adcebc4af7a0.jpeg) Folded in real life test ![20240921_143830](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/5/f/5fb8791000a1b8081c0fb975b9dcde7b724e2770.jpeg) I’ll keep updating this post as more progress is made. Happy to be back building! So far I know I need to add End caps and Spacers for the main rotation rod. Also going to cut 2 links to link the 1/2" and 1" dowels together to strengthen the 1/2" dowel on the ends. Ideally the 1/2" dowel will not extend the entire width. Utilizing a router and a round over bit cleans up the attachment tabs easily and clearly as an FYI to anyone else out there. ---
**Author:** ![Andith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Andith](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/Andith)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2024, 7:25pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/folding-kitchen-step-stool-for-kids/22359/2 "2024-09-21T19:25:05Z")
Nice! Pre-M4, I tried to make a folding one (have twin 1.5 yr olds, so saving space is a great benefit). But, I wasn’t happy with the overall strength. I was working with some pine rather than plywood though. ---
**Author:** ![smarcus3](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/smarcus3/32/26517_2.png) [@smarcus3](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/smarcus3)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2024, 7:41pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/folding-kitchen-step-stool-for-kids/22359/3 "2024-09-21T19:41:37Z")
So far 3/4" plywood seems beefy enough so far but will definitely see once it is all glued up. ---
**Author:** ![Andith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Andith](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/Andith)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2024, 8:46pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/folding-kitchen-step-stool-for-kids/22359/4 "2024-09-21T20:46:24Z")
Yeah, I would think so. I just finished a kitchen helper a couple weeks ago. I ended up doing 3/4" MDF. M4 cut it out beautifully. Though I learned the importance of sealing MDF before trying to paint. The cut sides of MDF just absorb the paint like a sponge it turns out. It’s non-foldable, but super solid and stable. ![unnamed](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/1/0/102e90a640a08291606719cb4798c1bdcd892c2c.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![smarcus3](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/smarcus3/32/26517_2.png) [@smarcus3](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/smarcus3)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2024, 9:53pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/folding-kitchen-step-stool-for-kids/22359/5 "2024-09-21T21:53:47Z")
Looks like a good design. I always hated the MDF dust and now refuse to cut or use it unless absolutely necessary ---
**Author:** ![bar](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/bar/32/10_2.png) [@bar](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/bar)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2024, 6:44pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/folding-kitchen-step-stool-for-kids/22359/6 "2024-09-23T18:44:18Z")
This looks awesome! Which type of round over bit did you use? The kind with the follower bearing? That’s something I’ve been meaning to play with. ---
**Author:** ![smarcus3](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/smarcus3/32/26517_2.png) [@smarcus3](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/smarcus3)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2024, 11:59pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/folding-kitchen-step-stool-for-kids/22359/7 "2024-09-23T23:59:23Z")
I believe it is this bit: [https://www.amazon.com/Freud-Radius-Rounding-Shank-34-104/dp/B0000225W7/ref=asc\_df\_B0000225W7/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693128203622&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4019749601748631554&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9194846&hvtargid=pla-633440462837&mcid=0b256a7cbc503a7bb5a4673cdff3be6a&th=1](https://www.amazon.com/Freud-Radius-Rounding-Shank-34-104/dp/B0000225W7/ref=asc_df_B0000225W7/?tag=maslowcnc091-20) ![Screenshot 2024-09-23 195833](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/f/7/f728360356658ae5b8e1b16003538dad5ab35b8c.png) I use it on a router in a table which I made several years ago. ![IMG_20170426_210353932](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/c/8/c8694f84d4d0491d44d45178c5e9d878c5b20e46.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![werg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/b2d939/32.png) [@werg](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/werg)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2024, 6:38pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/folding-kitchen-step-stool-for-kids/22359/8 "2024-09-25T18:38:47Z")
Big shoutout to the wife for giving that extra nudge to the designer, pushing for the perfect home solution I didn’t know I desperately needed! Thanks a lot SMARTcus3! ---
**Author:** ![smarcus3](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/smarcus3/32/26517_2.png) [@smarcus3](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/smarcus3)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2024, 7:00pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/folding-kitchen-step-stool-for-kids/22359/9 "2024-09-25T19:00:36Z")
Of course. Still in process of building and improving the design. I’ll repost updated design once it’s dryfit. ---
**Author:** ![smarcus3](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/smarcus3/32/26517_2.png) [@smarcus3](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/smarcus3)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2024, 12:02am UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/folding-kitchen-step-stool-for-kids/22359/10 "2024-09-26T00:02:38Z")
Updated the platform supports to be a bit more beefy and have a bit more ‘locking’ to ensure the legs don’t open up when the little guy is on the step ladder. Here’s the updated support. Just wanted to shout out to @bar just how flat the cut is as all edges of this piece were cut with no factory cut edge and its dead flat. When its as flat as my kitchen’s quartz countertop I’m colored impressed. ![20240925_194615](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/3/f/3f55604901c8f4ce5022b2872d820e995ae578ed.jpeg) Also updated the design to have a more robust locking rod support by ending the locking rod across the entire length as well as an additional support part ![Screenshot 2024-09-25 195353](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/a/f/af1888258a421b6b69e535fbfbd3d26f164ae71f.jpeg) Cut support part prior to cutting away support tabs. ![20240925_165017](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/2/2/22cdd789e390fd4e8a5767ba45fbfa84593d00f7.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![smarcus3](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/smarcus3/32/26517_2.png) [@smarcus3](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/smarcus3)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2024, 2:58am UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/folding-kitchen-step-stool-for-kids/22359/11 "2024-09-26T02:58:57Z")
Dry fit is complete with some additional changes to the design. **Changes** Just to note that I have moved extended the rotating arms outwards from the original design. This is mainly because my little one is HUGE at 99% so YMMV but it seems to work well so far. Here’s the upper arms in their original as designed position. Arrows denote where they were moved to in order to make the upper area for the child ~ 3" wider than originally designed. ![20240925_214017_](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/3/b/3b1e221dd0b7e8717089a8a9ace2401350013aa8.jpeg) The lower step which is fixed sets the width of the angled legs. However, it appears that when this would be glued there isn’t enough clearance for the platform for freely swing. In the design I added clearance on each side which appears to be too much. I will go back and recut this lower step at .1" longer to solve the lack of swing clearance for the main platform. ![20240925_224936._edjpg](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/d/b/db6f2383c714183f9ad012e4c2ab628cb3aab321.jpeg) Dry Fit Overall Looks after dry-fitting everything together. ![20240925_224936](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/e/3/e389832c96b11d44403bf21d682924204d2f1194.jpeg) ![20240925_224245](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/9/0/902f8b232de7bd73fd19c8a9334b95ae7f02da3a.jpeg) ![20240925_224525](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/8/3/830d1074a672ebda55da1ea5aea6d6f7069dee6c.jpeg) The folding process being tested: Upper support being folded back ![20240925_224558](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/d/d/ddb64cdc8369a56319886c2059ae538b9bc9e7f7.jpeg) Platform folded inwards ![20240925_224639](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/6/9/693dce464cae5014cbc8cb7748d3409c30c0a1a8.jpeg) Leg folded towards vertical leg ![20240925_224641](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/c/b/cb460258d33a7166f8e7fbd8fd736994c3228caf.jpeg) Done! ![20240925_224716](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/9/b/9bc7bddd8cf6362fd978a6c5a8a7e9a449452f1e.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![bar](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/bar/32/10_2.png) [@bar](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/bar)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2024, 3:44pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/folding-kitchen-step-stool-for-kids/22359/12 "2024-09-26T15:44:11Z")
> [@smarcus3](#): > > Just wanted to shout out to @bar just how flat the cut is as all edges of this piece were cut with no factory cut edge and its dead flat. Stoked to hear it! Thanks for the encouragement, it’s easy to focus just on the things that aren’t working and forget to appreciate the things that are 😃 ---
**Author:** ![smarcus3](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/smarcus3/32/26517_2.png) [@smarcus3](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/smarcus3)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2024, 4:17pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/folding-kitchen-step-stool-for-kids/22359/13 "2024-09-26T16:17:28Z")
This is also from the a very early calibration as I haven’t had time to recalibrate it so I’m guessing 3 months of improvement would yield even better results. ---
**Author:** ![pidiot](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/pidiot/32/22738_2.png) [@pidiot](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/pidiot)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2024, 10:37pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/folding-kitchen-step-stool-for-kids/22359/14 "2024-09-27T22:37:34Z")
Looks fantastic! ---
**Author:** ![smarcus3](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/smarcus3/32/26517_2.png) [@smarcus3](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/smarcus3)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2024, 12:18am UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/folding-kitchen-step-stool-for-kids/22359/15 "2024-09-28T00:18:10Z")
Thanks. Appreciate it 👍 All the parts are now glued other than the platform and step. The folding is working well. ![20240927_191443](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/9/0/908c8db185d291fbecc426040cc331c3f67fe903.jpeg) ![20240927_191453](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/f/b/fb0ac07d2f318db4ce25ea09e7ff54c7c1a4fca2.jpeg) ![20240927_191505](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/4/f/4ffbdbebc4b4c9254a80f3d722b00d243f118af1.jpeg) ![20240927_191514](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/1/c/1c4234760fdbc6890a445cbeea5d7b630860eb5c.jpeg) Next is to glue the platform and step. Then cut all the dowels to length. ---
**Author:** ![smarcus3](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/smarcus3/32/26517_2.png) [@smarcus3](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/smarcus3)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2024, 4:41am UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/folding-kitchen-step-stool-for-kids/22359/16 "2024-10-18T04:41:36Z")
Project is fully complete and both my wife and our little son loves it. I think it turned out great. If there’s interest I can share the DXFs. ![20240928_080417](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/e/6/e67e3af84fddc9939b375a42c0f7907c4cba77e0.jpeg) ![20240928_080423](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/2/0/2072ce3f795573f6f0b6329ef29d394baa9dd18d.jpeg) ![20240928_080504](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/0/0/00c49ba689ef8660196e244069c9300ff126e2ca.jpeg) ![20240928_080545](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/c/2/c22b9caefde6f249ed67e4ab1e531940cee815a6.jpeg) ![20240929_081452](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/uploads/maslowcnc/original/3X/0/6/064c6d2b4045b12706c0a5ecb8717b491978c9bc.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![bar](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/bar/32/10_2.png) [@bar](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/bar)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2024, 4:05pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/folding-kitchen-step-stool-for-kids/22359/17 "2024-10-18T16:05:51Z")
It looks fantastic! I really like the way the slots in the parts look. ---
**Author:** ![smarcus3](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/smarcus3/32/26517_2.png) [@smarcus3](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/smarcus3)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2024, 6:31pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/folding-kitchen-step-stool-for-kids/22359/18 "2024-10-18T18:31:37Z")
Yeah I added those to just lighten up the design; however the little guy used them as extra hand holds so they definitely provide a few benefits. Without a CNC so time consuming with it was no biggie at all! ---
**Author:** ![Andith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Andith](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/Andith)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2024, 6:42pm UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/folding-kitchen-step-stool-for-kids/22359/19 "2024-10-18T18:42:58Z")
> [@smarcus3](#): > > little guy used them as extra hand holds Hand holds are definitely great to include and having them double as a weight reducer is a great feature. I have twins so I already need to build a second kitchen helper. Right now, they both climb up the one at the same time, and it gets very cramped. Would you mind sharing your design? I really like that it folds. I tried making a folding helper pre-M4, and it didn’t work out for me. ---
**Author:** ![TimS](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/forums.maslowcnc.com/tims/32/17329_2.png) [@TimS](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/u/TimS)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2024, 12:44am UTC](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/folding-kitchen-step-stool-for-kids/22359/20 "2024-10-19T00:44:29Z")
I thought the little one was wearing a ski mask at first. [Next page](https://forums.maslowcnc.com/t/folding-kitchen-step-stool-for-kids/22359.md?page=2)